Grosey's Messages

Dr. Franklin L. Kirksey Dr. Vance Havner perceptively stated, “We need to recover Isaiah’s thundering call from the mothballs where we have relegated it. The first chapter could be proclaimed, with a few names changed, … and be strictly up to date.” Isaiah proclaims, “Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth! For the Lord has spoken. . .” (Isaiah 1:2a) and “Hear the word of the Lord. . .” (Isaiah 1:10a). It is like Isaiah is saying, “Hear ye, hear ye!” as town criers have done. Notice three calls in the first chapter of the book of Isaiah. First, there is a call to remember. Isaiah 1:3 reads, “My people do not consider.” Isaiah issues a call to remember the glory of the past. Isaiah 1:2a reads, “I have nourished and brought up children.” Note God’s interest and intervention in their national life. Scripture recounts how He miraculously provided and marvelously guided His chosen people. Isaiah further issues a call to remember the guilt in the present. Note their evil works (Isaiah 1:4-9) and their empty worship (Isaiah 1:10-15). Trouble comes to any one who forgets God or does not acknowledge Him. Second, there is a call to repent. Isaiah 1:16-17 reads, “Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; Put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes. Cease to do evil, Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the oppressor; Defend the fatherless, Plead for the widow.” This call involves good and evil. Isaiah 5:20a reads, “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil. . .” ….. Third, there is a call to reason. Isaiah 1:18-20 reads, “‘Come now, and let us reason together.’ Says the Lord, ‘Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool. If you are willing and obedient, You shall eat the good of the land; But if you refuse and rebel, You shall be devoured by the sword;” For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” This is like a spiritual summit conference. Will you be willing and obedient or wicked and obstinate? Will you repent and be delivered, or will you rebel and be devoured? Dr. Franklin L. Kirksey, Author of Don’t Miss the Revival! Messages for Revival and Spiritual Awakening from Isaiah and Sound Biblical Preaching: Giving the Bible a Voice [Both available on Logos and Amazon] July 23, 2023 © All Rights Reserved

# posted by Groseys messages @ 2:54 PM